Otago are top of the domestic Twenty20 cricket competition after inflicting a 10-run loss on Northern Districts at Queen's Park in Invercargill.
Set a challenging total of 160 thanks largely to a sterling knock of 56 not out off 32 balls from captain Craig Cumming, in reply Northern couldn't build any meaningful partnerships with the new Black Cap BJ Watling's 20 the highest score from the top eight.
Auckland will be able to welcome back Black Cap Martin Guptill to their line-up for today's fifth round clash with Wellington at Colin Maiden Park.
Guptill is now recovered from a slight hamstring injury he picked up in the Aces' first game in Mt Maunganui.
Canterbury also host Central Districts in Timaru.
